09 November 2005
Hu Jintao arrives in UK
Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in London on the first leg of a tour that includes the UK, Germany, Spain and the Republic of Korea (ROK) at the invitations of Queen Elizabeth, German President Horst Koehler, King Juan Carlos of Spain and ROK President Roh Moo-hyun. Hu stayed at Buckingham Palace while he was in London and a State Banquet was given in his honour. It is the first state visit to the UK by a Chinese president since October 1999, when police unlawfully confiscated banners of protesters demonstrating against Jiang Zemin. During this visit, the police were more tolerant and a group of over 4000 gathered on Whitehall to protest at China’s policies in Tibet, its threatening behaviour towards Taiwan and its continued persecution of the Falun Gong religious movement. Also in attendance were a far smaller group of pro-Chinese demonstrators. Hu and Prime Minister Tony Blair discussed the growing economic links between Britain and China, as well as international security issues and climate change. An agreement opening the Chinese market to specialist insurer Lloyd's of London was also brokered in the Downing Street talks along with contracts worth UK£783m (US$1.28bn; EUR€1.09bn.) A Downing Street spokesman said Mr Blair had discussed "political developments and human rights in China" with Mr Hu, but it had been a "private dialogue" and would not be the subject of any public statement. The Prince of Wales was accused of boycotting the last state visit by a Chinese leader. The prince sidestepped the issue this time by being out of the country on the night of the official dinner.